13 Rules From A Father To 6 Kids

(Compiled by Jamsco. I am not a very inflexible father, but these things I’m pretty unyielding on)

1. I don’t always get to do what God does, you don’t always get to do what Mom or I do.
2. Likewise, you don’t always get to do what your brother/sister does.
3. The only things you kick are balls outside.
4. I believe that you love your doll or stuffed animal, but Daddy only kisses or hugs people.
5. Except for kissing, don’t touch other people’s faces.
6. Unless you are sitting on it or cleaning it, there is never a reason to touch a toilet.
7. Wrestling is Pain. I will try to prevent hospital trip injuries, but do not join in the fray if you’re not willing to handle a skinned elbow or twisted arm.
8. Never ever wake up a sleeping brother or sister unless specifically told to by one of your parents.
9. If you find yourself repeatedly making a loud noise, with your voice or an implement, be aware that it is most likely annoying to someone. Don’t.
10. Do not say anything bad about anybody in our family to someone outside our family.
11. When singing, it is always annoying to everyone else if you intentionally sing faster than everyone else. Don’t.
12. The only thing you should step on is the floor, the ground, or a stool. (i.e. not books, papers, toys, furniture, or your brother)
13. Don’t say anything bad about food that your Mom has made for you.

Any suggestions for number 14- 20? Or do you think I’m being too rigid on any of these?

12 comments

My two cents: Children should honor their parents and be kind to their siblings. But honoring them does not include a code of silence regarding family matters or members. If a child is sinned against at home (bound to happen as we’re all sinners), and they’re upset about it, they should be allowed to talk to a trusted godly person outside the family about family members and matters. I’m not talking gossip here. I hope you can see the distinction.

My guess is, this permission and activity will actually strengthen familial love and unity. (Assuming the “trusted person” really is godly and wise).

What say you?

And a possible rule #14:
If you’re having fun making a mess, know that you can also have fun when you get to clean it up.

Yes, I had thought about that difficulty with #10. I perhaps could have said “Be Loyal to our family” (with the understanding that being loyal to your family might entail bringing in a pastor to help with a problem).

But I wanted to stick with the concreteness of my list and also keep it simple.

It’s a good thought, though.

And regarding your #14 – my kids would say “How?” Maybe you should go over there and give them a seminar.

Ha! We always had a rule: no singing at the table. This was required because half the group was into musicals and you never knew when people would just burst into song from “Phantom” or “Oklahoma.” But we never regulated the speed. *considers that* But it’s not a bad idea….

Good rules! #4 seems too rigid though – you should at least pretend! The kids are sharing their world with their parents…and they are pretending to be parents with their loved things. Besides, they will grow out of this phase very quickly, don’t give up an opportunity to display love!

#12 – I laughed at this one and am baffled as to why this has to be an explicit rule. It happens at our house too…ALL THE TIME…DRIVES ME CRAZY!

Like awalkabout’s rule, we have a ‘no singing or reciting’ rule at the table. Our youngest has a great memory for movie/tv dialogue and an uncanny ability to interject it correctly into pretty much any conversation. Love Amy’s about the dirty dishes!